Early in my adulthood, I had the privilege to accompany my husband on his military tour to Karamursel, Turkey. This was a life altering experience. During that time I took classes on Belly Dance.After our travels were over and we settled here in Florida, I decided to start a Red hat Group. So in January 2005 my friend Cindy and I started one with a difference. We were going to Belly Dance! Once we got started and gained interested members, we decided we needed to do more with our group.The excitement was growing when we purchased our first costumes. We were invited to perform at a local event. That was all it took! We have kept our group travelling all over northwest Florida performing for Nursing Homes; Retirement Homes; Senior Health Days; and other community events. We are also part of the Bay county Belly Dancing Community, and perform at Haflas (dance party).We will be starting our 12th year in January 2016. We average 4 to 6 shows a month and sometimes more.This has been accomplished by word of mouth, without having to do paid advertising.Now to mention the group! These ladies had never taken this style of dance before. They range in age from 55 to 78 and all now have closets full of costumes!!! This has been a growing experience for us all. We have become a sisterhood of dance. It has really made my heart glow to watch these ladies who started out shy, or with self esteem issues, some lacked confidence, grow into outgoing, lively dancers that exhibit beauty, grace, and caring to our audiences. Age has nothing to do with it! We hope to continue for as long as our bodies will allow. This beautiful art form of dance, helps us with our aging process. It also helps us emotionally, mentally as well as the physical. To give the residents a chance to smile, have laughter, sing along, and yes even dance in their wheel chairs, Is awesome medicine for us! So if you get a chance to belly dance, play that music and start moving.We call ourselves "Vintage" and our style of belly dance is along the cabaret style, but we like to call ourselves "Eclectic", that way we can adjust the moves to go along with our aging!!! Happy Shimmies... Bashira (Rita)